As his creditors’ claims have grown exponentially, Dale C. Bartlett has sworn in bankruptcy court that he had no idea what caused the collapse last summer of Turner Grain Merchandising of Brinkley, the business he co-owned until a year ago.

Kenny and Pamela Metheny of Mabelvale said their hands are tied so they can’t pay a $2.1 million judgment in connection with an unpaid medical bill for their son at a rehabilitation center in Virginia.

The Arkansas Agriculture Department is working on legislation to prevent companies like Turner Grain Merchandising Inc. of Brinkley from suffering similar collapses that cost farmers millions of dollars.

Turner Grain Merchandising Inc. of Brinkley appears close to filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to a court filing made last week by the company's receiver. Turner's draft, filed by receiver Kevin Keech of North Little Rock, lists $24.8 million of creditors holding unsecured claims